Zimbabwe’s 15 billion dollar question

Chidhakwa, however, still responded that he would include something on the missing diamonds in his first quarter report for 2017.

“I am actually finalising a Ministerial Statement on the first quarter of 2017 on the mining sector,” Chidhakwa said. 

“In doing so, I will also include matters to do with the diamond sector, specifically to do with the question that was presented in this House by Hon. Members of Parliament. I thank you Mr. Speaker.”

Parliament is on recess until 6 June.

 The issue of the missing diamonds was raised by President Robert Mugabe in February last year but Herald columnist Manheru believed to be Mugabe spokesman George Charamba insinuated this year that Mugabe had just come up with the figure..

Here is what he wrote:

A conversation with The Great One

I have a great disclosure to make, even then at the risk of contravening a sacred Act I signed and am sworn to.

What is more, a disclosure that risks blowing my cover as a columnist — by now yet another illusion!

Here I go: It’s a fine Monday morning, and we are having a prayer with the Great One.

Then a great conversation started: “Sir, this claim that we lost $15bn-worth of diamonds?”

Great, cacophonous laughter from The Great One.

“What $15bn, young man? What was the value of rough diamonds traded worldwide last year?”

Another roaring laughter!

“About $14 comma something billion, Sir!”

“So-ooo!?

Yet another round of reckless laughter.

Then the bombshell: “Figure yandakangotaura zvangu kuti zvityise, kikikiki!”

“Ahh shefu, zvino mativambira neOpposition!”

More laughter!

“Hameno zvako, that’s for you to deal with. I wanted to dramatise the need for us to take total control of our Diamond resource; to ensure full accountability of its exploitation, and I achieved the national focus I wanted. The change that’s necessary. Where else in the world is a strategic mineral reposed in foreigners? Where? Zvimwewo izvo zvava zvako!”

Another round of laughter, even more raucous.

Palaver finish!

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